Team Mopar Australia driver Lee Bektash has set a new world record at the 2014 Fuchs Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway in Queensland.

Driving his Dodge Avenger in the Pro-Stock class, Bektash’s run of 6.950 seconds over the quarter-mile (400 metres) at 196.67 miles per hour (314.67km/h) makes it the fastest naturally-aspirated small block sedan in the world.

Both Bektash and fellow competitor Aaron Tremayne ‘red-lighted’ (jumped the start), but as Bektash jumped first, the race was awarded to Tremayne.

“It’s great to be part of Australian drag racing history and run a 6.96 side-by-side,” Bektash said.

“On the run I shut it off at 6.8 and thought I’d won the race until I saw [Tremayne’s] brother running towards him to congratulate him on his efforts.”

Bektash described the run as a “career-best”, and the Mopar team has now sets it sights on being the first Australian Pro-Stock entry to complete a 200mph (320km/h) run.

That goal could be realised at the next Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) Pro Stock round, as the Mopar team will have a new engine at the event following 18 months of development.

Round Four of the championship will be held at Queensland’s Benaraby Raceway, October 4-5 2014.

Achievement: Competition: ANDRA (Australian National Drag Racing Association) Series Event of Run: Winternationals - Queensland Raceway, Australia Date of run: 8th of June National ANDRA (Australian National Drag Racing Association) Pro Stock record run & top MPH Quickest naturally aspirated small block vehicle in the world down the quarter mile.